Jerald Stevens, 30, reportedly fled the playground when Detective Lincoln Ryder recognized him, leaving his two young children behind.

Stevens ran from the Grove Street playground to Pine Street and into a home’s backyard.

The detective eventually caught up to the suspect and placed him under arrest. The children were placed in the custody of an aunt.

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Ryder and Stevens both suffered minor injuries when the foot chase took them over a chain-link fence. Ryder was taken to MaineGeneral Medical Center’s Thayer Campus for treatment, while Stevens was treated by an ambulance crew at the scene.

Stevens remained in the Kennebec County Jail on Friday. His bail is set at $660.